30+ Viking prospects vs Powerhouse Saint Frances Academy

<p>The Vikings wrapped up 2023 with a stellar 5-0 conference record, 10-2 overall, boasting a .833 winning percentage. Their Week 0 matchup against national powerhouse Saint Frances Academy is must-see TV. Pittsburgh Central Catholic, one of the top 6A programs in western PA, is projected to finish second in their conference for 2024. They face a formidable opponent in SFA, currently ranked 14th nationally by MaxPreps. This game will feature several FBS prospects on both teams, making it a highly anticipated kickoff to the 2024 season. In this piece, I've highlighted over 30 Vikings you'll want to keep an eye on this year.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/xxavier_thomas/status/1737880624633966982?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Thomas is ranked as the third-best defensive back in Pennsylvania by Prep Redzone, and it's easy to see why. He combines natural defensive instincts with strong technical fundamentals, excelling in all aspects of cornerback play—from press coverage to off-man and zone coverage. Thomas has exceptional footwork, staying low in his stance and transitioning smoothly to run with deep routes. His route recognition is top-tier, and he breaks on the football with lightning speed. With FBS-level ball skills and impressive makeup speed, he can recover even when a receiver gains a step on him. Thomas is also aggressive in run support, unafraid to come up and make tackles. A standout on special teams, he's a threat to score as a returner on both kickoffs and punts. Committed to play in the Big Ten for Penn State, he comes from a football family—his older brother currently plays in the NFL, indicating strong potential to excel at PSU. Thomas will face a major challenge in Week 0, covering FBS-level wide receivers against one of the nation's top programs, Saint Frances Academy.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/gompersbradley/status/1802378391724728343?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Gompers is a Power 4-caliber athlete ranked as the 20th best player in Pennsylvania by this platform. He's a versatile and dynamic player who excels at multiple positions, including OLB, DB, WR, and special teams. Bradley is particularly physical, thriving on making open-field tackles. With his 6'5, 215-pound frame, he's likely to play OLB at the collegiate level, though he's more than capable of being a dynamic flex TE. His ball skills are above average, and his hips and lateral quickness are exceptional. I've seen Gompers working out as a WR at several camps, and his overall receiving traits are on par with Division 1 talent. Pittsburgh Central Catholic is once again loaded with Division 1 prospects, and Gompers stands out among them. He's committed to play in the ACC with the Duke Blue Devils, choosing them over offers from top programs like UNLV, West Virginia, Pitt, Boston College, Cincinnati, Michigan State, UConn, Indiana, and Maryland.</p>    <p>Papa is a hardworking veteran for PCC, poised to have his best season yet with the Vikings. Over his career, he has progressively added size, now standing at 6'2.5 and weighing 260 lbs. His weight room strength translated effectively on the defensive line last season, where he excelled at using his hands to engage and disengage offensive linemen. Papa's relentless motor shines in pass-rushing, consistently causing sacks and hurries under pressure. Grady is a solid tackler who plays through the whistle. Currently holding an offer from Case Western, he's also attracting interest from multiple scholarship-level programs. A mobile lineman who contributes great effort on special teams, his game experience will be invaluable for the Vikings in 2024.</p>    <p>Jy'aire is the projected QB1 for PCC this season, stepping into the role after serving as backup to 2023 First Team All-Conference and St. Francis signee Payton Wehner. In limited action, he has demonstrated poise in the pocket and the ability to make quick, accurate reads. With a strong arm and solid quarterback footwork, Walls effectively executes play-action and has a quick release when delivering the ball to his targets. A mobile athlete, Jy'aire has the speed and agility to extend plays outside the pocket under pressure. As a senior, he's poised and ready to lead the Vikings to another postseason run at the 6A level in 2024. Walls was selected as one of the team captains for the Pittsburgh Central Catholic Vikings this season.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/elijahfaulk123/status/1800900483906945173?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Elijah is ranked as the 4th best RB in Pennsylvania by Prep Redzone, and it's easy to see why. He's a Division I talent with a combination of elusiveness, speed, balance, and vision. Last season, Faulkner rushed for over 1,400 yards, scoring 25 touchdowns on 194 carries and averaging 7.4 yards per carry. As one of the Vikings' most potent returning weapons, he will be a key figure in their rushing attack. Elijah is dangerous on both inside and outside runs, consistently beating defenders with his speed. Standing at 5'10 and 180 lbs, he has a compact build that will continue to develop at the next level. Faulkner has already received offers from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Navy, Villanova, Youngstown State, Howard, Furman, Fordham, and Cornell.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/sam_brackney/status/1810345821876932724?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='386096' first='Sam' last='Brackney'] is a highly effective and technically sound offensive lineman who plays a crucial role in PCC's offensive success. As a versatile interior lineman, he excels at both center and guard positions. Sam's excellent hand placement and body positioning allow him to consistently open running lanes in the ground game. He's also an agile player who reliably wins his matchups in pass protection. Brackney's ability to reach the second level makes him an invaluable asset for the Vikings. Having watched him up close on multiple occasions, I've consistently been impressed with his performance. A first-team All-6A player, Brackney is committed to playing in the Ivy League for Brown. As a team captain, he will be a key leader for the Vikings in 2024.</p>    <p>Roman is one of the many senior leaders on Pittsburgh Central Catholic's squad. Despite his 6'2, 270-pound frame, he's impressively light on his feet. He excels at executing blocks that require agility, such as pulling and leading on screens. A physical and technically sound offensive lineman, Kane consistently completes his assignments with precision. His strong punch and solid kick slide in pass protection make him formidable, and once he latches onto a defender, he has the strength to pancake them. Roman is particularly skilled at down blocking and climbing to the second level to finish off linebackers. Along with the rest of the Viking offensive line, he contributes to one of the most dominant units in western Pennsylvania. As a member of the 1,400-pound club in the weight room, Roman will continue to showcase his strength in the WPIAL.</p>    <p>Da'Ron is another valuable asset in the trenches for the Vikings. He's quick off the ball, showing impressive agility in redirecting to pursue the ball carrier. His violent hands and relentless motor make him a constant threat behind the line of scrimmage. Goodwine is difficult to block in one-on-one situations, consistently beating offensive linemen to the punch as he angles into the backfield. His athleticism shines when he stunts, making him a formidable pass rusher. Da'Ron's ability to engage and disengage blockers regularly causes disruptions, as seen on film. As a 2025 prospect with a high ceiling, he has the potential to become a scholarship-level player, especially with the capacity to add more weight to his frame.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/amaridshields/status/1806484408888697250?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Amari is a legitimate two-way prospect who plays with a lot of heart on the gridiron. He's an intimidating presence as a Nickel or Strong Safety, delivering hard hits and disrupting offenses with his ability to blitz and tackle in space. His anticipation in coverage makes the middle of the field a no-fly zone on passing plays. Offensively, he runs the ball with significant strength, breaking tackles and showing excellent vision both inside and outside the tackles. Amari plays fast on both sides of the ball, demonstrating breakaway speed when he finds daylight. Alongside [player_tooltip player_id='916710' first='Elijah' last='Faulkner'], Shields forms one of the top backfield tandems in the WPIAL heading into the 2024 season. A first-team all-conference selection in 2023, he has already received offers from St. Francis and Slippery Rock.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/colsen_gatten/status/1776721878482108449?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='256526' first='Colsen' last='Gatten'] is an aggressive linebacker who stands out on a team loaded with talent at the position. He's highly active against both the run and pass, consistently making plays. Colsen is a tremendous open-field tackler, frequently recording tackles for loss and forcing fumbles. His footwork and ability to flip his hips in curl-to-flat zone coverage are characteristics of a Division I athlete. Gatten's knack for intercepting passes and contesting intermediate throws is a rare quality for a player of his size. He's a sideline-to-sideline player who reads and reacts as quickly as any standout in the WPIAL. His lateral agility and natural ability to shed blockers make him an invaluable asset for PCC as they head into the 2024 season. Currently ranked as the 13th-best player in Pennsylvania by Prep Redzone for the class of 2026, Colsen holds scholarship offers from several top FBS programs, including Michigan, Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Duke, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Syracuse, Kentucky, Boston College, and Maryland.</p>    <p>Ashton is a dynamic OLB/edge with considerable potential as an athlete for PCC. At 6'4 and 225 lbs, he moves well and can run step-for-step with running backs out of the backfield in coverage. He's a reliable open-field tackler with strong natural instincts. Blatt's physicality is a key strength, and he consistently causes disruptions when he blitzes. He effectively plays off blockers and pursues the ball carrier with determination. His size allows him to be versatile, excelling both as an edge rusher and in space as an OLB. Ashton's 6'4 frame is advantageous for getting into throwing lanes and batting down passes. Active on special teams, he will be a crucial asset for the Vikings in 2024. Blatt is on the radar of multiple Division I and Division II programs but has yet to receive an offer.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jimmy_kalis/status/1805261447003255146?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827011' first='Jimmy' last='Kalis'] is an FBS-caliber prospect poised to make a significant impact this season for PCC. At 6'6, 280 lbs, his size and length are impressive at the high school level. Currently ranked as the top offensive lineman and the fifth-best player in Pennsylvania for the class of 2027 by Prep Redzone, Kalis has shown exceptional skill. I've personally observed his impressive kick slides and overall OL technique at camps, and the hype is well-deserved. He combines strength with excellent hand placement and execution in his blocking assignments. Despite his already impressive abilities, he remains light on his feet and has room for further improvement. Kalis holds several FBS offers from programs such as Akron, Duke, Miami (OH), Central Michigan, NC State, Syracuse, Pitt, Toledo, and West Virginia.</p>    <p>[player_tooltip player_id='599273' first='Ryan' last='Jameson'] is a defensive lineman with the potential to become a scholarship-level athlete. As a tough defensive end, he excels at pressuring the quarterback and is physical enough to disrupt the run game. Jameson's versatility allows him to play both defensive end and defensive tackle, making him a valuable asset on the line. His 6'3, 265-pound frame provides a strong presence on the field. Ryan's gameplay continues to improve with every rep, and he has visited several Division I campuses, attracting interest from college programs. He is expected to be a key defensive player, with ample opportunities to demonstrate his progress, especially in high-stakes games like the upcoming matchup against Saint Frances Academy. Scholarship-level programs will be closely watching Jameson in 2024.</p>    <p>Maceo is a promising athlete who has yet to reach his full potential. His versatility as a defensive back is one of his strengths, as he has played both cornerback and safety. He maintains a good pad level and avoids overextending himself when backpedaling and breaking on the ball. Last season, he showcased his ball skills by intercepting a pass on the goal line. Maceo has solid coverage skills and competes well against strong opponents. At safety, he aggressively covers the alley and isn't afraid of contact. His physicality is also evident when he blocks as a wide receiver, demonstrating great effort. The Class of 2026 Vikings athlete aims to earn more playing time this season. He is a college prospect who has unofficially visited multiple Division I programs and currently holds an offer from Central State.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/mattbowers52/status/1825255672516112394?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Matt is a 6'4, 275-pound prospect that everyone should keep an eye on this season. Despite considerable Division I interest, Bowers is still seeking his first scholarship offer. Currently ranked as the 25th best offensive lineman in Pennsylvania's class of 2026, he has the potential to climb the rankings with his performance. His mobility and long arms make him an appealing prospect for collegiate OL coaches. Matt impressed during one-on-one competition at WVU's prospect camp this summer, showcasing solid technique and light footwork in drills. PCC's offensive line is known for playing the right way, and Matt embodies that philosophy. After contributing at the varsity level in 2023, he will be looking to establish himself more consistently at RG/LG in 2024.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/danielspeca1/status/1748845235684126855?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Daniel is a speedy prospect that will be looking to have an elevated role on varsity in 2024. Speca is known at PCC for his playmaking potential, combines soft receiving hands, shifty change-of-direction skills with breakaway speed. Speca is the type of athlete you find ways to get the ball to, whether on screens, fades, or reverses. I believe he has the potential to play college football on the scholarship level. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands, whether in the middle of the field or in open space. I'm eager to see where Daniel will fit into this already stacked roster. One thing is certain: he is a very promising athlete.</p>     <p>Pittsburgh Central Catholic's upperclassmen depth will pose a significant challenge for opponents in 2024. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='647401' first='Angelo' last='Pugliano'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1155988' first='Raymir' last='Jones'] have both demonstrated the potential to be key contributors this season. Pugliano is a physical player who tracks plays laterally with precision, displaying strong tackling ability and quick reactions when locating the football. Jones, with his 6'5, 275-pound frame, is a valuable asset for the Vikings, boasting a build that's well-suited for the collegiate level. With such talent on the roster, securing a starting spot will be highly competitive, but I expect these players to make the most of any reps that come their way.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/romant2027/status/1720056800689455469?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='415124' first='Roman' last='Thompson'] is a talented young linebacker who plays with the poise of an upperclassman. As an inside linebacker, he demonstrates excellent football intelligence, reading and reacting quickly. His agility and ability to move laterally are impressive, making him a formidable run stopper. Thompson's success as a wrestler translates well to the field, showcasing his physicality and hard-hitting ability. He covers the field sideline to sideline and sheds blockers with ease, often meeting ball carriers in the backfield. An FBS-caliber athlete, Thompson is expected to grow taller and add bulk to his frame. He currently holds an FBS offer from Akron in the MAC.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/zacharygleason_/status/1798066060702453947?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='671843' first='Zachary' last='Gleason Jr.'] is another promising 2027 FBS underclassman prospect for the Vikings. He plays with a solid pad level, demonstrates excellent anticipation, and has the ball skills necessary to intercept passes. Gleason is competitive in coverage, triggers quickly to make tackles, and his route recognition enables him to contest throws effectively in both man and zone coverage. Currently ranked as the sixth-best athlete and fifteenth-best player in the state by Prep Redzone, Gleason has shown significant potential. Having recently transferred from Chartiers Valley, I'm eager to see how the Vikings will utilize him. He impressed at various prospect camps over the summer and received his first two FBS offers from Akron and Pittsburgh.</p>    <p>Standing at 6'6 and 285 lbs, he has the ideal size for the position. The depth of offensive line talent at Pittsburgh Central Catholic is truly remarkable. Having seen Sassic up close, it's clear he's a scholarship-level prospect who is quickly developing into his large frame. One thing is certain: PCC's coaching staff excels at developing talent across all positions, and Sassic's future looks bright. He has visited several top programs, including Penn State, Michigan State, and Notre Dame, but has yet to receive a scholarship offer.</p>    <p>[player_tooltip player_id='651151' first='Max' last='Roman'] is a skilled athlete with the potential to become a significant weapon for PCC. He's quick off the line at wide receiver and runs crisp routes. Currently ranked as the 22nd best athlete in Pennsylvania's class of 2027 by Prep Redzone, Roman also shows promise as a defensive back, displaying natural coverage skills on film. With a good catch radius and elusiveness after the catch, he has the ability to score. Additionally, Roman possesses the qualities of an effective returner on special teams.</p>        <p>Additional 2026 prospects, including [player_tooltip player_id='388088' first='Seamus' last='Mahon'], [player_tooltip player_id='1156191' first='Bobby' last='Macurak'], [player_tooltip player_id='1155986' first='Rory' last='Knipp'], [player_tooltip player_id='497221' first='Keefer' last='Wolff'], and Jake Murphy, will provide quality depth for the Vikings. Special teams will be an area where these athletes can showcase their offseason improvements. After finishing 2023 with a 10-2 record, the stakes remain high for one of the top 6A programs in western Pennsylvania. Head Coach Ryan Lehmeier would undoubtedly welcome elevated performances from all these players on the field. Each of them has the potential to make their mark on the Pittsburgh Central Catholic Vikings' roster.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/chrysblackjr1/status/1796357700043116942?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Chrys Black is ranked as the number one athlete and the second-best player in the state for the class of 2028 by this platform, and for good reason. He possesses the ideal build, body control, quickness, and breakaway speed desired in a ball carrier. Black is a game-breaker who makes significant plays once he has the ball in his hands. He is elusive and explosive, whether running between the tackles or on the edge. As a defensive back, he executes cloud and man coverage techniques with a maturity beyond his years. His playmaking ability is also evident when he intercepts and returns the football. Black's skills will likely make him a standout on special teams as well. Despite being an incoming freshman, he has already received offers from UNLV, Syracuse, Akron, and Temple.</p>    <p>[player_tooltip player_id='913496' first='Jayden' last='Alexander'] is a player with significant potential to develop into a big-time playmaker. He's an athlete gifted with speed, balance, and vision. As a receiver out of the backfield, he has yet to fully tap into his true playmaking ability. He plays with a good tempo and isn't afraid to make tackles in defensive situations. Alexander's natural ball skills are evident at defensive back, where he's shown the ability to intercept passes on film. He's deceptively strong and difficult for a single defender to bring down in the open field. Although Jayden has unofficially visited a few Division I schools, he's still working to gain more recognition on the recruiting scene.</p>    <p>The future looks bright for Pittsburgh Central Catholic, especially with prospects like [player_tooltip player_id='1040324' first='Owen' last='Herrick'] on their roster. Herrick, a promising 2028 quarterback, has an ideal build at 6'2 and 180 lbs. Currently ranked as the top QB in Pennsylvania for his class by Prep Redzone, he stands out for his excellent footwork and execution. Herrick excels at play action and is effective throwing on the run outside the pocket. His athleticism is expected to develop further over the next four years. Despite being a freshman, he has a strong arm and demonstrates accuracy and poise from the pocket. Herrick is talented at escaping pass rushers and displays solid throwing mechanics and ball placement. I look forward to seeing him take reps at the varsity level one day soon.</p>    <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1369583' first='Roman' last='Maurizio'] is an underclassman offensive lineman who should be on everyone's radar. Standing at 6'5 and weighing 240 lbs, this impressive freshman is currently rated as the 5th-best offensive lineman in the state by Prep Redzone. His athletic and physical development is ongoing, but his stock is expected to rise steadily over the next four seasons. This summer, Roman focused on skill development with the renowned OL guru Coach Byron and participated in Youngstown State's and Joe Moore's big man camps. The sky is truly the limit for this 2028 offensive line prospect.</p>

The Vikings wrapped up 2023 with a stellar 5-0 conference record, 10-2 overall, boasting a .833 winning percentage. Their Week 0 matchup against national powerhouse Saint Frances Academy is must-see TV. Pittsburgh Central Catholic, one of the top 6A programs in western PA, is projected to finish second in their conference for 2024. They face a formidable opponent in SFA, currently ranked 14th nationally by MaxPreps. This game will feature several FBS prospects on both teams, making it a highly anticipated kickoff to the 2024 season. In this piece, I've highlighted over 30 Vikings you'll want to keep an eye on this year.